Adult-oriented Introspection With The Abrasive Islander, the new sophomore effort from Field Comment, opens sounding like Austin-flavored Link Wray on psilocybin, drawing influences from Lee Hazelwood and DJ Spooky, with a knowing nod to (the criminally underrated) Radiohead.
Adult-oriented Introspection With The Abrasive Islander is the low-funk-ers' attempt at dreamlike, raw, brilliant statement rock.
Adult-oriented Introspection With The Abrasive Islander relies on the safe, universally beloved trick of noisy, atonal jams that last for several minutes—for good reason: Hansen Firmin was writing this music in a cubicle at a telemarketing job. Thus, Adult-oriented Introspection With The Abrasive Islander marks a musical turning point, รก la the Beatles' White Album (except it isn't as good).
"Soapbox Magic" echoes strains of a Brian Wilson-esque attack, with a penchant for raw guitar apocalypse and pivotal vocal death, while the more jaded "Copper Javelin" provides a perfect counterpoint, reminiscent of Sun Ra on coffee. However, Field Comment returns to form with "Invited Arbor". But such lack of design has its own charm. The result? profound, fey, hip garage-jazz. Perfect for drinking alone during a thunderstorm at school.
9 stars. RIYL: The Velvets.
